Can Pakistan end Australia’s unbeaten 34-match run at World Cup?
Australia will look to extend their winning streak in the World Cups when they meet Pakistan in a match of the ICC World Cup, 2011 on Saturday 19th http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391. The Kangaroos have been undefeated in 34 matches of the mega event and the last team to beat them was Pakistan, back in 1999.
Australia are currently at the top of Group A with nine points in five matches. They have won four games out of five so far, and their match against hosts Sri Lanka was washed out, which gave them one point. A win in Saturday’s match will ensure them the top slot in Group A standings.
On the other hand, Pakistan is currently third in their group. They started their campaign in a very positive way, winning the first three matches. At that stage, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 and have eight points with four wins out of five at this stage.
Saturday’s match will be played at Colombo in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 have played just one game at Colombo which was washed out because of rain.
The defending champions may seem like very threatening side, but they have yet to face any serious challenge in the competition. Their matches against the minnows were one-sided and they weren’t tested by the Kiwis either.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting admitted that the Men-in-Green will prove to be a tough side and they will take the best out of the defending champions.
Compared to the Kangaroos, Pakistan have a weaker batting line-up. Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 has performed consistently well in the mega event until now and he will be the key to Australia’s success in the upcoming matches.
The return of Michael Hussey has also boosted the confidence of the defending champions. The stylish left-hander has proved to be a match winner for his team and he will look to win some games for his team in this World Cup.
Australian bowling attack is one of the best in this tournament. Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson have done well until now. They have also got good support from spinners Jason Krejza and Steve Smith.
On the other hand, Pakistan have a few experienced batsmen in their team. Younis Khan and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Hafeez.
However, the unpredictable team will rely on their bowlers, who have won many matches for them. Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal, Afridi and Wahab Riaz are all wicket-taking bowlers and will be eyeing some consistent performance in the remainder of the tournament.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer’s and do not reflect bettor.com’s official editorial policy.
Tags: